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HAMILTON, Canada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday welcomed an agreement between the UK and Mauritius on the Chagos Archipelago as "a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute in the Indian Ocean region."

"The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Noting that "this agreement marks a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute in the Indian Ocean region," Guterres stated that it "demonstrates the value of diplomacy in addressing historical grievances."

"The Secretary-General urges both parties to continue engaging in constructive discussions to ensure that the rights and aspirations of the Chagossian people are fully respected and upheld," it said.

Guterres pledged the UN's continued commitment to supporting the UK and Mauritius in that process.

The deal, signed earlier in the day, transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from the UK to Mauritius, while allowing continued US-UK operation of the Diego Garcia military base for the next 99 years.

In the early 19th century, Britain took over the islands after the surrender of the French forces.

Mauritius and its dependencies, including the Chagos Islands, were officially proclaimed a colony of Britain in 1814 under the Treaty of Paris.

The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965 by the UK.